Young survivor

Thursday, July 19, 2007

The 2007 Relay for Life Survivor Lap was led by 9-year-old Chance Shepherd, son of Janet and Adam Mitchell, of Cassville. Shepherd was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 10 weeks old. He received a bone marrow transplant when he was 2 but relapsed four months later. This year, Shepherd marked the fifth year that his leukemia has been in remission. Shepherd and his parents are pictured above with Marcia Himes, South Barry County Relay for Life chair. Over 40 cancer survivors participated in the 2007 South Barry County Relay for Life Survivor Lap. This year, Relay for Life team members and individual participants have raised $50,011.52 for the American Cancer Society. The Relay for Life Committee will continue to accept donations until the middle of August. The 2007 Relay was an all-night event, involving 23 teams. Members of the community also attended the festivities, which included a luminaria ceremony and slide show presentation in honor of cancer survivors and victims. Another highlight of the evening was the annual Relay "Queen" contest. This year's winner was Jonathan Case. More pictures from the Relay are published on page 24. Democrat Photo